Managing director Key fronts blame for England's World Cup failure

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) managing director Rob Key says he should be blamed for England's failure at the World Cup because he prioritised Test matches. 

The holders' defence came up well short as they suffered six defeats in their first seven games.

However, Key has refused to criticise coach Matthew Mott or captain Jos Buttler and instead holds himself accountable. 

He said: "I feel like it's harsh if I turn around and blame the captain and coach when I hold myself accountable for that.

"It's hard for me to be critical of Jos Buttler and Matthew Mott when I'm the one who, every single time the decision has been made for whether or not we focus on 50-over cricket, Test cricket or T20, I've always chosen Test cricket. 

"I made the mistake of thinking that actually it will be alright when we get there and that's not been the case. 

"You sort of made the assumption that, without playing lots of 50-over cricket, actually this is such a good team that will just slip into old habits and away we go."

England came to India having won the World Cup in 2019 and were among the favourites again to claim the trophy. 

However, after a miserable run of defeats, they were bottom of the table for the most of the group stage. 

Only consolation wins over the Netherlands and Pakistan in the final week lifted them to seventh in the group standings.